The Stylish, Space-Saving Dining Table That Can Double Seating In Seconds

The size of your kitchen table may be what is holding you back from hosting an impromptu game night or a holiday dinner. It's not realistic for many of us to possess table made to sit six or more people in a small apartment, and the reality is, it may only get used a few times a year. If you don't want to double your kitchen island as a dining table, there is another quick fix. Extendable tables! With the right design, you can transform a small two-seater into a spacious setup for up to 12.

Folding tables and seating guests at a low coffee table are also feasible options, but an extendable table brings more cohesion to the occasion. It's nice to have everyone seated at the same place and height, so there is no hierarchy among your guests. It's not likely that a friend will complain about sitting on a pillow on the floor or a mismatched camping chair pushed to the side of a small table, but it's nice to have everyone seated equally. This is especially true for more formal situations, such as hosting your in-laws.

Extendable tables can often be set up in under a minute, without much of the wrestling that folding tables require. This furniture choice gives you flexibility without taking up constant space — it can be kept more compact to leave room for movement, then expanded when guests arrive. If you're worried about any heavy lifting or floor scraping, the mechanism is designed to do all of the work. Modern extendable table designs often also hide the extra paneling inside themselves, so you don't have to worry about finding space to store them.

Whatever dining room and kitchen aesthetic you have, whether it be a warm Tuscan design or a more modern vibe, there's an extendable table out there for you. This furniture comes in a variety of shapes, materials, and mechanisms, so you can choose one that suits both your style, space, and the number of people you plan on hosting.

When shopping around, you'll notice different names for particular styles, like drop-leaf tables; these feature hinged sections on one or both sides that can be lifted and supported when needed. This style is ideal for small apartments or breakfast nooks. Butterfly leaf tables have an extra section that folds in half and is stored in the table. When opened, it folds out like butterfly wings. The quickest type to set up is an extendable table with slide or pull-out ends, where the table ends pull out like drawers, revealing hidden panels that fold up into place. There are also tables with removable panels that slide into the center after pulling the table apart. While they often offer the largest extension, these panels will have to be stored somewhere externally.

Note that extendable tables are going to be more expensive than their fixed counterparts due to the more complex design. Cheaper designs are sometimes not worth it because they can be wobbly or flimsy, but it's always possible to score some quality secondhand furniture. If you're buying one used, be sure that the functionality is still there and the extra tabletop parts are included. Finally, don't forget all the other details involved in setting the table for more guests than usual — follow Ina Garten's tips for setting the table for a dinner party.